‘Underhand’ plans to fire 50 GB Terminals workers who unload and process Volkswagens at Sheerness docks in Kent have been slammed as a ‘sneaky precursor to fire and rehire’ by Unite, the UK’s leading union.

The redundancies amount to a staffing reduction of 75 per cent and will leave the company’s Sheerness operations unable to function. 

Unite regional officer Phil Silkstone said: “We know there is enough work at Sheerness to keep people on and GB Terminals has given no reason for these redundancies or indication that is it closing its operations at the docks. That's why we believe this is a sneaky precursor to fire and rehire.

“GB Terminals is running down the clock on the consultation period. We think management will then offer workers the choice of redundancy or signing new contracts on reduced pay, terms and conditions.”

Since announcing the plans earlier this month, GB Terminals has refused to make reasonable allowances to hold consultations with Unite, despite being offered several dates to do so.

Instead, the company held an initial meeting on 22 October with no Unite officers in attendance and has since unilaterally scheduled a second meeting on 5 November – halfway through the 30-day period legally required for redundancy consultations. 

GB Terminals is responsible for moving and processing new Volkswagen Group vehicles, which also includes Audi, Porsche and Skoda models, off ferries arriving in Sheerness so they are parked ready to be picked up by car transporters.

Phil Silkstone said: “We will be asking Volkswagen directly if GB Terminals is planning to end its contract with the car maker so we can get to the bottom of this. I’m sure Volkswagen will not be pleased to be associated with a company that uses such disgraceful and underhand tactics against its own loyal and hardworking staff.

“Unite is well aware of the issues businesses in the auto sector and its supply chain are facing and decent employers are working with the union to mitigate them without targeting staff. Unfortunately, it seems that GB Terminals is looking for an opportunity to boost its not inconsiderable coffers by going after its own workforce, something Unite will not stand for.”

ENDS

For media enquires ONLY contact Unite communications officer Ryan Fletcher on 07849 090215.   

Email: [email protected]  

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Unite is Britain and Ireland’s largest union with members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.